She swallowed hard. “Nothing you need to worry about.”
Despite his earlier reassurance that he wanted to know everything related to her sister, she’d seen the flicker of disgust in his eyes. In her heart she didn’t blame him. In her soul, it hurt. She was used to dealing with problems on her own and she didn’t want to get into the habit of relying on him.
“Please don’t tell me you expect me to accept that answer.” He brushed away a tear she hadn’t realized had slipped down her cheek.
Lauren drew a deep breath. He’d just be relentless. “Fine. My sister’s lawyer is concerned about the tests the doctor wants to run. He needs to do more research and then he’ll probably have to file more motions on her case. I know I joked about it earlier but I really didn’t expect him to want more money. And that’s on top of the plumbing problems in the house.”
“I already told you I’m sure I can get J.R. to cut his numbers down some.”
She knew “some” wouldn’t be enough, but she appreciated his efforts.
“I know and I’m grateful. But what about the other problems? Which reminds me, I forgot to tell you that the back door doesn’t lock properly and there are deep ceiling cracks I didn’t notice earlier.”
He ran a hand over her hair. “I will do everything I can myself, which should bring things within budget.”
So much for not relying on him. She ran her tongue over her dry lips and forced a smile. “Thank you.”
He inclined his head. “No problem. Now about your sister-”
“Exactly. She’s my sister.” Lauren snapped at him before he could say anything. “Wouldn’t you do everything you could for someone in your family no matter what awful things they’d done?”
“Whoa.” Jason took a step back. “I don’t know what you think I was going to say-”
“You were going to ask if I was sure she’s worth it,” Lauren said, anticipating the worst.
He braced his hands on her shoulders. “I was going to ask if you’re sure the lawyer is billing you legitimately.” His voice was quieter, his tone more rational than hers.
“Oh.” Embarrassed for jumping to conclusions, she turned away. “I’m sorry. I guess I just don’t expect any sympathy from anyone.”
“Since when have I been just anyone? Besides, we covered this subject this morning. Now come on. Tell me.”
She wished she didn’t have to have this conversation, but he’d never give up until she did. “The lawyer is expensive, but so was every attorney I interviewed. He also has experience in this kind of case. And the monthly statements have seemed legitimate. I was just hoping he could make the retainer last longer.”
Her savings were dwindling so quickly and the repairs in the house adding up so fast, she was overwhelmed and would have to take drastic measures soon.
Her thoughts went to her beloved convertible in the driveway and her stomach tensed.
“I’m no expert on legal issues, and don’t take this the wrong way, but given the circumstances, are you sure he isn’t just spinning his wheels at your expense, promising you things he can’t deliver?”
She shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. But I have to do everything I can for Beth. Just in case he can accomplish miracles. What if she’s really mentally ill and wasn’t in her right mind when she did those things? Doesn’t she deserve good help and a second chance?” Before he could answer, she did. “If that’s the case, then the lawyer needs more money.”
“Which you’ll pay for how?” he asked gently.
She looked away. “I’ll figure something out. All I know is she needs better care than she’s currently getting.” She drew a deep breath, then exhaled, trying to calm her nerves.
A few more weeks until her dresses were shown in Paris. If they were the success everyone anticipated, if stores ordered the numbers everyone hoped, she’d be Galliano’s golden girl. She’d be able to afford a new red convertible and her sister’s hospital bills.
If not, so be it. She’d pull herself together and move on. Figure something out. What other choice did she have?
“Lauren?” Jason asked.
“Hmm? I still have some savings left.”
His dark gaze bored into hers. “I can lend you money to tide you over. And once you hit it big with your dresses, you can pay me back.”
She blinked in surprise. “What did you say?”
“I can lend you-”
“No, after that?” Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for his reply.
“I said when you hit it big, you can pay me back.”
“You said when, not if.” Despite all the bad news surrounding her, she smiled. “Thank you for believing in me.”
He brushed her hair off her shoulders. “My pleasure. So you’ll take the money?”
She shook her head. “Thank you but no. I can’t.” Even if Jason and his family didn’t despise her sister and grandmother, she still couldn’t accept a loan.
“But-”
“But your faith in me means everything.” No one in her life had ever believed in her unconditionally.
She wound her hands around his neck and pulled him close for a thank-you kiss.
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” a male voice shouted.
Startled, Lauren jumped back.
His uncle Edward glared at them.
Clara stood by his side, shaking her head.
And walking toward them with a determined stride was Jason’s father, Thomas.
Jason groaned.
Lauren winced and waited for all hell to break loose on Main Street.
“Well, well, well, I’m so happy to see my family out and about on this beautiful day!” Thomas was dressed to the nines, as he liked to say, his white collared shirt pressed and the top button open. By the determined gleam in his eye, he was clearly a man on a mission.
“Did you see those two going at it like rabbits?” Edward asked, gesturing wildly at Jason and Lauren.
“Eddie, calm down.” Clara placed her hand on his shoulder. “I have the prescription Dr. Shelby just gave you. Let’s go on over to the drugstore and fill it. The sooner you take your medicine, the better you’ll feel.” She waved the prescription papers she held in her other hand.
Jason grasped Lauren’s hand to reassure her, hoping he wasn’t going to lose her again over his family’s insanity. Or their family’s shared history.
“Is the medicine going to stop those two from making the mistake of their lives?” Edward asked, wide-eyed.
Jason glanced at Lauren.
She studied Edward with compassion, but she wasn’t upset, nor was she pulling away. Apparently the promise she’d made to him earlier meant something. He refused to examine his relief too closely.
Thomas walked up to his brother. “Edward, if you’re going to keep a woman as beautiful and smart as Clara, you need to pull it together. Get your new medication filled.” His tone was soft and encouraging.
Jason narrowed his gaze, wondering if his father had taken his words to heart the other night. Uncle Edward could not handle anyone pushing him into a relationship or playing the jealousy card. Not now.
“There’s nothin’ to keep. We’re not a couple!” Edward shouted at his brother. “Couples mean curses and I’ve already been down that road.”
“Really?” Thomas asked, an unholy gleam in his eye.
Uh-oh, Jason thought.
“If you’re not a couple, then I’m going to do something I’ve wanted to do since laying eyes on this lovely woman.” Thomas stepped up to Clara and took her free hand in his. “Have dinner with me, beautiful lady?” he asked in his most polished tone.
“I will not!” Clara yanked her hand away immediately.
But Uncle Edward pulled away from her grasp, as well. “I knew it. Old dogs don’t learn new tricks. Here you are poaching on my woman again!” he said to his brother.
He physically distanced himself from Clara.
She shot Thomas a deadly stare. “Come on.” Grasping Edward’s hand, Clara attempted to lead him away before things could degenerate further.